On April 6th, 1945, Japan launched a desperate counterattack dubbed “Operation Kikusui.” The Battleship Yamato was assigned to support defense of the islands of Okinawa. Yamato departed from Tokuyama, but was attacked by the American navy at 12:30 near Kagoshima Prefecture. A combined force of 180 combat aircraft, 75 conventional bombers, and 131 torpedo bombers all focused their attack on the port side of the ship.
Ship damage report:
12:45, one direct hit forward on the port side.
13:37, three hits amidships on the port side.
13:44, two hits amidships of the port side.
14:00, three hits by bombs.
14:07, one hit amidships on the starboard side.
14:12 one hit aft on the port side.
14:17, one hit amidships on the port side.
14:20 listing to 20 degrees; all crew ordered to abandon ship.
14:23, sunk at position 30° 22’N, and 128° 4'E.
Copyright © Evergreen Maritime Museum. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Statement | Privacy Statement